Space Monkey: La Corde a Linge

I am sure that you have probably laid your eyes upon La Corde a Linge at some point with all of the adoration going around for this 1930's laundry-turned-restaurant in Strasbourg, France. I mean, of course people love it! Just look at the petit clothes hanging from the line! And since it's so sweet and I can't currently catch a wink of sleep in anticipation of my French holiday, I thought I would share the obsession by giving you a little look into this enchanting eatery.

Space Monkey: Maison Couturier

Given a guess, you'd probably never think that Maison Couturier, with its French name and 19th century history, is actually a hidden estate in Veracruz, Mexico. That is, until you see photos of the outdoor pool and grounds which are ever basked in the warmth of the sun.  While inside you may enjoy a lovingly cooked meal or a quiet read in a rocking chair, outside you can swim in the stone pool and munch on freshly-picked fruit from the region. With such charm and detail, its no wonder that it was restored by the same guys who own the aforementioned Hotel Americano. What an eye they have, no? 

Space Monkey: Tipsy Parson

Tipsy Parson is cheeky like Ouiser Boudreaux (I mean with a name like Tipsy Parson...), welcoming like Ruth Jamison, with a city sensibility and a lot of character. In short, it's a charming eatery you'll want to wake up on a Sunday for due to their delicious Southern goodies like Pecan Sticky Buns and Fried Green Tomatoes perfect for sharing with friends like the lovely Mr. Kornegay (because he's a fabulous Southern gentleman, of course). With its whimsical walls covered in plates and book wallpaper, weathered wooden tables and a verdant garden, it's the kind of place that makes me wish I lived in New York. Maybe just one weekend a month. Only in spring or fall. And only if I could eat here and at Buttermilk Channel each and every time. 

 

Space Monkey: The Tommyfield

When you think of a classic pub, you might conjure up a Disneyfied version with the clink clink of pint glasses and gruff barkeepers tending with a barking frankness. But The Tommyfield, the newest project from BGW Design Studio, keeps the historical authenticity and a list of proper British ales while also serving up well-crafted sustainable fare in a gee-if-this-was-on-my-street-I'd-be-here-everyday environment. Think vintage metal light fixtures, sepia stools at the bar, and exposed brick.

Space Monkey: Hotel Americano

And what could be better than a three-day weekend spent with New York friends? Staying at the Hotel Americano while there. (Mind you, I'm not going to New York Saturday, but a tip for those on their way soon.) The newest shelter from Mexico's Grupo Habita (who created Hotel Basico and Distrito Capital), with its glass exterior, Japanese-designed furniture, industrial Chelsea locale and rooftop pool, is both a hip hub for locals and a destination for the jet-set. Sure this weekend is booked, but you can always pop in for a bite and the view. Meanwhile, I'll be keeping up through their blog, a refreshing glimpse into the neighborhood and the lives of its inhabitants.

Space Monkey: West Egg Cafe

Truth: I've never set foot in Georgia. Sure, I've admired from afar the Forest City (that's Savannah to the rest of us) with its spanish moss and ancient oaks, and I feel like I've had a pint or two with the team at Scoutmob headquarters since I moonlight for them from my outpost, but nope, haven't been. Which is why when I found images of Atlanta's darling West Egg Cafe, with its library-meets-coffee shop decor, Fried Green Tomato Wraps and Build-Your-Own Biscuits(amazing!), I just about purchased a ticket. My first stop that way is Nashville this year (for Wedding No. 2), but perhaps we'll detour on the way home just to have breakfast at this Southern charmer.

Space Monkey: Leti 360°

Now if I could offer advice to the aforementioned soon-to-be-blissfully-wedded friends of mine, I would recommend that they skip thinking of the honeymoon as a one time occasion and start planning for manymoons. Celebrate each year you survived this funny tradition (marvelous though it can be), I say! First stop with Mr. Ian would be (pocketbook aside) Leti 360°, an eco-friendly hermitage in the Himalayas, complete with stone walls, evening dinner by candlelight, and only the sound of the sweet little birds in the air. Though a grueling seven hour trek through the mountains from Dehli, isn't it worth it to spend time with your better half enjoying the epic views and the bucolic surroundings?

Space Monkey: Consolacion

If I were to dream up the place I'd like to live at least half the year (what a nice dream this is, no?), it would be Consolacion. Part Baroque stone building (La Ermita)/modern wood cottage hotel(Kuba), part magnificent restaurant, it is the ultimate nomad's refuge in Matarraña, an untouched piece of Spain's desert. With a menu made up of sustainable and local offerings, a pool overlooking the landscape, and fireplaces made for reading next to, it is an oasis of relaxation. This trip to Spain I'll be seeing the winter in Madrid. Next time? You'll find me here. If I'm lucky.

Space Monkey: Far Meadow Log Cabin

Going back to being blind as a bat. . . it connects to my feelings about camping. When I was young, camping meant dirt in my eyes (and if you have contacts, you know how this goes). It meant going to sleep cold and waking up hot (and blind). It meant having to pee on a tree (while finding my way through the dark). But somehow as I've gotten older, I've always romanticized the idea of camping. The s'mores! The wool blankets! The trek through the forest with a sweet little lantern! And while no true camper dislikes the dirt and the work of roughing it in the woods, for the rest of us there is the Far Meadow log cabin, a bucolic hideaway complete with the comforts of home—a French press, bicycles, running water–all under a classic tin roof in the heart of the Sierra National Forest. You can call me a wimp, but this is my kind of getting in touch with nature.

Space Monkey: The Dune House

Forget the swimsuit for a minute. The sort of breezy, bring-a-blanket-and-a-book beach house is what I'd take over the rays on my face. Living Architecture's The Dune House, the modern-meets-classic rental abode tucked away in Thorpeness, England, is without a doubt the idyllic place to find sweeping sea views, plenty of room to eat, drink and be merry (it's England, of course), and window soaking tubs to watch the sun set in the comfort of shelter. I know that many may prefer the sand and surf, but in my opinion this is how "beach" is done.

Space Monkey: El Cosmico

Somewhere in the dry landscape of West Texas, there is a tiny artist community of Marfa. And outside of this dot on the map is El Cosmico, a rustic retreat where you can bunk up in vintage trailers, rest peacefully in bright yurts or fall asleep under the beams of a Sioux teepee. Come morning, take an art workshop, soak in a Dutch hot tub, hang from the elms in a hammock or picnic it up. Whatever you choose, this is a nomad's summer dream.

Space Monkey: Collected

While Collected isn't a space, per se, it is the newly-launched visual brainchild of Jessica Comingore and Krista Schrock that inspires you to refine your surroundings and seek out the quality within your city. With a modern minimalist meets worldly traditionalist vibe, it is a treasure trove of marvelous photos, deliciously seasonal recipes and coverage of interesting must-sees from Portland, OR to Portland, ME.

Space Monkey: Melrose and Morgan

What I wouldn't give for such a lovely grocery shop in my neighborhood! With interesting fixtures like floating shelves and mounds of local goods and freshly-prepared edibles, Melrose and Morgan is a gourmand's dream. In London over the holiday? Stop in for a cup of seasonal soup or an afternoon sweet like these darling little simnel cakes. Or if you're on the go, pick up a carton of Jimmy's Iced Coffee and a jar of award-winning housemade marmalade. On your way out, mention that our very own Melrose could use an outpost of this epicurean haven. We'll all thank you. 

Space Monkey: Irish Fusion

Irish-born Danielle Mac Innes' quirky, flea-market-meets-modish perspective is just as fresh as the green countryside and boldly chic like the London and Dublin locales of her interior design firm, FUSE. With an ever-changing array of unique treasures and an inventive spin on defining a space, her vintage online shop and her equally interesting blog are worth scouting. Yes, it might make you wish you were vacationing in the Emerald Isle so you could pop in and say hello, but it's marvelously inspirational from afar nonetheless.

Space Monkey: Cabin Escape

February has almost gone by in what seems like a blur and before you know it spring will be here. Can we rewind for a bit and hole up in a woodsy abode somewhere in the forest? Maybe settle into a cloud of quilts with a stack of good reads and no clock to be found?

Photos from Skona Hem

Breathing Space

The air was clear and the sun so vibrant today that it seemed to call on Angelenos to be happy. What a splendid start to the weekend! It makes me want to spend a restful few days in simple surroundings so as to escape from the usual bustle. Maybe you should too? Inspiration for you to stop and breathe from Skona Hem.

Calm Space

If you asked anyone to describe downtown, you probably wouldn't hear peaceful. But that's what it is, at least on the weekends--a quiet pocket of Los Angeles where the light is warm and the spaces are big. We're enjoying loft living with it's exposed brick, large windows and lovely views. Won't you come visit?

Savvy Sverige

Ahh, Sweden. It absolutely knows what is good about life: design, coffee and potatoes. It also knows to keep design magazines in operation (rather than, say, Golf Digest, Condé Nast, but I won't go there) and lucky for us, Sköna Hem, an interior design glossy with delicious pictures and ideas is available online. While you may not be able to understand the language, the eye for color, impeccable taste and use of textures by featured Swedes translates beautifully. With a move to new digs soon, I found a few rooms for inspiration. Check out the pop of color in these abodes: